Seeing Christmas light displays makes the holidays seem more festive. Children's eyes light up when they see their favorite cartoon or storybook characters dressed in holiday outfits, and seeing lit nativity scenes helps people reflect on this particular season. To help you map out the best Christmas light displays in the York, Pennsylvania, area, we’ve put together this list of the top three presentations to enjoy with friends and family.
Christmas Magic
Christmas lights by Chris Booth is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
Christmas Magic is a fabulous way for the whole family to get outside and see thousands of twinkling Christmas lights. When you go to Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park, you can stroll along the half-mile ADA walking trail, which is ideal for wheelchairs or strollers.
A highlight of this magical Christmas light display is the walk along a trail lined with candy canes and lit trees that hide fairytale characters. You can also admire the 600,000 lights on trees that grace a wooded hilltop. As you meander through the display, see how many of these characters you can spot and name.
If you want to warm up and refuel for the walk through the sparkling lights, Friends of York Parks will have a stand selling cookies and hot chocolate. In addition, you can enjoy seeing the train display from the Susquehanna Valley Garden Railway Society.
Please note that you must make an online reservation to attend this holiday event. Tickets go on sale on Nov. 15, 2022. If the weather turns inclement, the organizers will cancel the event, and you'll have your tickets refunded. In the event of a cancelation, you'll receive an email letting you know.
Location: 3699 Deininger Road at Rocky Ridge Park in York
Dates: Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, 2022 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Days and times: Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Winter Wonder Trail
During the Halloween season, Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill has scary ghosts, goblins, and witches scattered throughout the property. However, the team transforms the property into a winter and holiday wonderland as the holiday season approaches. Kids of all ages will be dazzled as they wander the Winter Wonder Trail featuring thousands of Christmas lights. As you and your family stroll through the wonderland, you can tap your toes to holiday music while singing your favorite songs. Young and old can clap and feel the enchantment of the fun, animated displays that spread good cheer and joy to everyone.
The staff at the Winter Wonder Trail will have hot chocolate, coffee, tea, cookies, and other festive treats on sale that you can sip and nibble to refuel. You can also enjoy sitting around the fire ring while making tasty s'mores. You can purchase the s'mores supplies at the ticket booth.
Consider dressing your children in their festive finest when you bring them to the Winter Wonder Trail because Santa Claus will be available for photos. He will only be at this weekend event until Sunday, Dec. 19, so be sure to stop by for this unique holiday photo opportunity.
You can even do some last-minute holiday shopping when you stop by the event's gift shop or visit the Holiday Bizarre.
Location: Kim's Krypt Haunted Mill at 5932 Colonial Valley Road in Spring Grove
Dates: Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, 2022 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Days and times: Saturdays and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 9.m.
Christmas Spirit Light Show
To see one of York County's most prominent Christmas light displays, drive the few miles to Lancaster to see the spectacular Christmas Spirit Light Show. One of the beautiful things about the Christmas Spirit Light Show is that you can enjoy this significant event from the comfort of your vehicle. The Christmas Spirit Light Show team has transformed the Clipper Magazine Stadium parking lot into a mile-long track.
Once you enter the light show, you'll tune your radio to a select station that plays holiday and Christmas classics that you and your family can sing along and bop to. The songs coincide with the animated light show, with thousands and thousands of lights that change color and seemingly dance to the beat of the music.
Before you enter the dazzling display, stop by the entry gate to purchase hot beverages, festive snacks, and food to savor and enjoy while you drive through the exhibition. You can buy tickets for the Christmas Spirit Light Show at the entry gate or online. If you're wondering how long it takes to see the entire show, the organizers encourage you to take your time as you pass through the light show. You can expect the mile-long journey to take about 20-30 minutes.
Christmas Tree Lane
The organizers of Christmas at Clipper Magazine Stadium also offer the unique Christmas Tree Lane. This event starts on Dec. 1, and as you walk along, you'll see over 100 decorated Christmas trees that help support local non-profits during the Christmas season. As you wander around the event, you'll hear Christmas carolers, see Santa with children on his lap, and savor delicious holiday food and drinks from the wide selection available. Mark your calendar for Dec.16, when Santa will make a special appearance with one of his reindeer.
Location: Clipper Magazine Stadium at 650 N. Prince St. in Lancaster
Dates: Nov. 25 through Dec. 31, 2022
Days and times: Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Our team at Apple Honda of York hopes you and your family enjoy viewing all the spectacular Christmas light displays in our town during this festive period. Which one is your favorite, and why? Do you know of other holiday light displays we missed on this list? If so, feel free to contact us so we can check out your suggestions and add them to our list. If you need your vehicle winterized or serviced before heading out to see the light displays, our professional service specialists can help.
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